Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (Mar 2017)

Traditional Lectures and Team-Based Learning in an Occupational Therapy Program: A Survey of Student Perceptions

  • Anne H. Zachry,
  • Brittany H. Nash

DOI
https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.1313
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 5, no. 2

Abstract

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Background: Team-Based Learning (TBL) is an active instructional approach used in health care education that incorporates group work. Methods: Two occupational therapy professors adopted a TBL instructional approach in two courses for firstand second-year occupational therapy master’s degree level students. The investigators administered a survey to evaluate student perceptions of TBL and lecture-based instruction (LBI). A principal components factor analysis with varimax rotation identified two 5-item factors: “perceptions of LBI” and “perceptions of TBL.” Internal consistency for each factor was strong (Cronbach’s alpha 5 0.856 [preference for LBI]; 0.865 [preference of TBL]). A Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test was conducted to determine whether there was a difference in the ranking of two teaching approaches. Results: The results indicated a significant difference in how the students ranked the instructional approaches, z = -3.19, p < .05, with the students having more positive perceptions of LBI than TBL. Conclusion: The implications for occupational therapy educators are discussed.

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